UZBEKISTAN IMPROVES MEASURES TO PROTECT POPULATION FROM EARTHQUAKES

On the eve of 50 anniversary of Tashkent earthquake the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan with the assistance of international organizations carried out a training seminar with the participation of domestic and foreign media. The event was held within the framework of the joint project of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the UN Development Program aimed at cooperation in response to natural disasters.

It was attended by representatives of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Architecture and Construction, Institute of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering Institute of the Academy of Sciences.

The seminar program included presentations and discussions of seismicity and forecasts of possible earthquakes, as well as measures taken to ensure the seismic resistance of buildings and constructions of the republic, preparedness of the population and territories to emergency situations. Moreover, practical skills of representatives of Ministry of Emergency Situations, technical equipment used during the rescue after strong earthquakes were also demonstrated.

Extensive preparations of the population to earthquakes are currently under way throughout the republic. Those events are carried out pursuant to objectives of "Integrated program for the preparation of the population for action in emergency situations related to earthquakes" dated July 19, 2011, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. In particular, voluntary clubs "Young rescuers" conduct various activities with students of secondary and vocational schools out. Regular competitions are held between the clubs in order to bring up to their minds what to do in emergencies, - says the head of the press service of the Ministry for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan A. Kodirov.

In addition, the participants were able to take a tour through the earthquake museum. In conjunction with the documental movie, exhibits of the museum allowed the participants of the event in more detail examine the phenomenon of a natural disaster. An earthquake simulator, where everyone could feel the strength of aftershocks up to 9 points and their consequences left a vivid impression.

As was noted by the speakers, this event allowed to demonstrate the level of development of seismology in the country, imagine the possibilities of modern urban planning, explain and demonstrate the importance of compliance with safety measures and rules of conduct to reduce the risk of earthquakes. Thus, the main objective of the workshop was to demonstrate the achievements of the republic in this area. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of the media, as a mechanism for creating a culture of preparedness and response in the event of a catastrophe, coverage of the topic of natural and anthropogenic disasters.

The positive experience of Uzbekistan is a good example for other countries and is a result of the implementation of strategic and priority areas of the Hyogo framework program of actions in 2005-2015 to create steadiness to disasters and reduce risk factors.

Uzbekistan’s experience was recommended to all Asian countries at the International Conference on the safety of schoolchildren carried out with the financial support of the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (Japan) in 2009 in Tashkent.

At the end of the seminar, journalists received answers to all their questions.

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